Cynthia Wier – Member of Gene Decker Study Class

Scripture:  Luke 10: 29-37

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus,  “And who is my neighbor?”  Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him for dead.  Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.  So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.  Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him.”  And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”  

Reflection:

The first year I moved to Houston was exciting and brought many new experiences into my life. A new job writing and editing publications for the Light Company. New friends at work. A new apartment that I liked. 

That summer I occasionally visited my family in Waco and Austin. It was hot and humid, but I was getting settled and was grateful to have a job. One weekend I decided to drive to Austin to see my aunt and uncle.  Setting out along I-10, I was eager to see them. I knew the route and always enjoyed the gently rolling landscape as I made my way up Highway 71.

Not long after I passed Columbus, a few sprinkles splashed across my windshield, but I wasn’t alarmed. A little bit of rain to cool things off was welcome. A few miles later, the sprinkles turned into heavy rain, and I was beginning to regret my decision not to stop and pull over in a safe spot. Breathing heavier, I drove slowly, praying that the rain would stop. In a couple of miles on Highway 71, I could hardly see the road. 

My worst fears were realized. I had smashed into an empty parked car along the feeder, and I knew I was in big trouble. I had hit the steering wheel of my car, and I had blood dripping from my face. I was alone, and my car was dead. You can imagine the desperation I felt as I sat on the side of the road. I can still feel the loneliness and pain that encircled me.

Sometimes God reaches out to rescue us. A few minutes later a face appeared at the window through the downpour. A man, much older than I was, knocked and asked how he could help. As I described the situation, he offered to take me to the nearest hospital in La Grange. He could see that my car was not drivable and that I needed medical attention. I rode the ten miles to that hospital, received stitches in my chin, and encouragement.

After I was beginning to tell him where I was headed, he waited as I called my father to let him know what had happened. I was being cared for by a kind doctor, and nurse, and a truly Good Samaritan who had come along at a crucial time of need. I will always be grateful to the man who offered compassion and concern. I wrote down his phone number, and in a few days was able to thank him again as I recovered from the thrust of the wreck. The love of my family was a great part of my healing, and after some much-needed dental work and rest, I returned to Houston and my job.

Surely, we all are blessed with Good Samaritans at different times of our lives. I was fortunate to have been in a place where a Good Samaritan stopped along the road.

We can all “go and do likewise” as Jesus taught.

Prayer:
Father, you know when I am on that road and desperate for the kindness of a Samaritan on his journey from Jerusalem to Jericho. Show me where I can help. Teach me to watch for many who are stopped along the way. Let me offer my love to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.